Security Levels

Commanding Officer

Captain John “Jay” C. Vann assumed the duties of commanding officer Coast Guard Training Center Yorktown in June 2015. With a staff of 875 active duty, civilian, and contract personnel, they deliver training, assessment, and doctrine support services to over 22,000 Coast Guard members annually. The unit also supports U.S. national security and foreign policy objectives through engagement with interagency and international partners.

Prior to reporting to Yorktown, Captain Vann served as Coast Guard Atlantic Area Future Operations Chief, and before that as Chief of Cutter Forces. Captain Vann’s last afloat assignment was as Commanding Officer of the 270’ Medium Endurance Coast Guard Cutter HARRIET LANE. Captain Vann previously served in four other Coast Guard cutters including the cutters ACTIVE, GALLATIN, command of the Cutter ASSATEAGUE, and Executive Officer in the Cutter FORWARD.

His assignments ashore have included duty as Support and Special Staff Assignments Officer in the Officer Assignments Branch of the Coast Guard Personnel Service Center, the Coast Guard’s first e-Learning Program Manager on the Commandant’s Training, Workforce Performance and Development staff, and Nautical Science Instructor on the U.S. Coast Guard Academy’s Professional Development faculty.

CAPT Vann is a 1992 graduate of the United States Coast Guard Academy, where he earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Civil Engineering. He holds a Master of Science degree in Instructional Systems from Florida State University, achieved Joint Professional Military Education – Level I certification through the Air Command and Staff College online program in 2011, and was the Coast Guard representative to the U.S. Air Force’s Air War College from 2011-2012. He was awarded a Masters Degree in Strategic Studies and Joint Professional Military Education – Level II certification in May of 2012.

CAPT Vann’s military decorations include three Coast Guard Meritorious Service Medals, and five Coast Guard Commendation Medals.

CAPT Vann is married to the former Darlene Emerson of Hollywood, MD. They live in Yorktown, VA and have two daughters: Hailey, a Junior pre-medicine student at Georgetown University, and Madison, who will attend Michigan State University this Fall.